Elderberry

[Sonu Sharma]

Elderberry

A uniquely American fruit familiar to the nation's first inhabitants, traditional uses for elderberries by Indians, who made use of every little part of the plant, included tools crafted from the branches, such as arrow shafts and pipes, as well as the berries. Sometimes propagated as an ornamental shrub, the elderberry bush is a member of the honeysuckle family. It's actually a small tree, with an abundance of delicate white flowers emerging as berry clusters generally between August and October, mostly in cool-to-warm areas of the country, like the Northeastern and Northwestern areas of the US and Canada.

Elderberry is a plant and its fruit is used to make medicines. Elderberry is used for “the flu” (influenza), H1N1 "swine" flu, HIV/AIDS, and boosting the immune system. It is also used for sinus pain, back and leg pain (sciatica), nerve pain (neuralgia), and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) .  

Viruses multiply by invading our cells through their hemagglutinin spikes. These spikes allow them to penetrate the cell membrane and move in and take control the cell. Elderberry contains a potent antiviral agent called "antivirin" which helps neutralize the activity of the hemagglutinin spikes. When these spikes are deactivated, the viruses are no longer able to get inside of the cell and replicate.

Elderberry juice was used to treat a flu epidemic in Panama in 1995. Elderberries have been used for their medicinal benefits for thousands of years throughout North America, Europe, Western Asia and North Africa. Some people use elderberry for hay fever (allergic rhinitis), cancer, as a laxative for constipation, to increase urine flow, and to cause sweating.

Some of the other names by which Elderberry is also known are Arbre de Judas, Baccae, Baises de Sureau, Black-Berried Alder, Black Elder, Black Elderberry, Boor Tree, Bountry, Elder, Common Elder. Elder Berry, Elderberries, Elderberry Fruit, Ellanwood etc..

Elderberries are a dark blue, purplish berry that is both rich in color and nutrition. These berries contain very high amounts of the polyphenol anthocyanin, which give them their dark color. Anthocyanin's antioxidant ability allows the berries to survive periods of intense UV light radiation from the sun. These antioxidants are passed on to those who consume the berry and provide anti-carcinogenic benefits. Elderberries are full of powerful nutrition and have incredible health benefits. Elderberries freeze in a glass jar after washing and patting dry. For sauce or syrup, dissolve honey in warm water, chill well, and then pour over the elderberries packed in freezer containers.

Heart health and fruits and vegetables go hand in hand, and with good reason. The high fiber levels help to eliminate excess cholesterol from the system and make room for “good” cholesterol that the body needs. This can help eliminate the chances of developing atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular issues.Elderberries have a good amount of Vitamin A and B and a large amount of Vitamin C. Studies found that elderberry extract reduces oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Oxidation of LDL cholesterol is implicated in atherogenesis, thus contributing to cardiovascular disease. Elderberry anthocyanins enhance immune function by boosting the production of cytokines. These unique proteins act as messengers in the immune system to help regulate immune response, thus helping to defend the body against disease. Elderberry has a very high ORAC, or oxygen radical absorbance capacity, score: over twice as much as blueberry and cranberry. Elderberry also contains trace minerals and has more vitamin C than oranges. They are very good for our brain.

Side effects of Elderberry:-

• Side effects. Elderberry supplements seem to have few risks when used daily for up to five days. The safety of its long-term use is unknown.
• Risks. Never eat or drink any product made from raw elderberry fruit, flowers, or leaves. They contain a chemical that produces cyanide. They can cause nausea and vomiting and, at high doses, more serious effects. People who have an allergy to elder pollen might react to elderberry supplements. If you have diabetes, multiple sclerosis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis, talk to your doctor before taking elderberry. 
• Interactions. If you take any drugs or supplements regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using elderberry supplements. They could interact with chemotherapy for cancer, immuno suppressant drugs, diuretics, and laxatives.

Because of serious potential risks, elderberry is not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Note: All but the black elderberries are toxic when eaten raw, so should be cooked prior to use. However, even the black variety should be cooked prior to use due to the risk of nausea and other gastrointestinal complaints.

(All pictures are taken from google)